i 3 4 FLESH-EATERS OF THE LAND 



about three feet high at the shoulder and with an extreme 

 length of seven feet, the Cheetah is well set up and exhibits 

 nothing of the crouching gait that is a common feature 

 of the cats ; nevertheless, the leopard itself is not more 

 secretive and stealthy. 



The chief point of interest concerning the Cheetah is the 

 manner in which it is pressed into the service of man. 

 When it is captured it is reduced to submission by starving 

 it and keeping it awake, until it becomes pitifully abject and 

 ready to be trained to engage in antelope-hunting, which is 

 the favourite sport of the wealthy natives of India. 



The Cheetah, or Hunting Leopard, as it is called, which 

 soon learns its business as well as any falcon, is placed on 

 a low car, where it sits quietly by the side of its trainer. 

 When a party of antelopes is seen the sportsman drives 

 towards them, but not making directly for their position. 

 Being accustomed to seeing these vehicles, which are con- 

 stantly used by the native agriculturists, the antelopes take 

 no notice of the car, but allow it to pass within a hundred 

 yards or so. Choosing some spot which will afford cover 

 to the Cheetah, the keeper removes the bandage from the 

 animal's eyes and points out the antelopes. 



The Cheetah immediately slips off the car, taking care to 

 do so on the side opposite the antelopes, and creeps swiftly 

 and warily towards them, skilfully availing itself of any 

 cover on its way. When it has crept as closely as it can do 

 without discovery, it dashes boldly upon the antelopes, and 

 with a few tremendous bounds flings itself upon the nearest 

 animal, bearing it to the ground. The keeper immediately 

 runs up and cuts the antelope's throat, so as to make it 

 lawful meat. He then either cuts off a piece of the leg, or 

 fills a ladle with the blood and offers it to the hunting cat. 

 While the Cheetah is busied with its food the keeper slips 

 the hood over its eyes, replaces it on the car, and looks 

 out for more game. 



FAMILY HY^ENID^E (HYAENAS). 



The remarkable animals called Hyenas in some respects 

 form a link between the cats and dogs. The skull is cat- 



